Carr's Milling profits from Scottish expansion

UK-based feed manufacturer Carr's Milling Industries said that expansion of its operations in Scotland had helped drive strong profits growth.

The Carlisle-based company, which owns fertiliser manufacturing and fuel operations in Scotland, saw its pre-tax profits rise with 27.4% to £9 million in the year ending 31 August.

Group sales slipped 1.7% to £344m due to over-capacity in the milling industry and a sharp rise in wheat prices.

However, the firm's engineering operation profited from the first full-year from German robotics firm Walischmiller, which was acquired in March 2009.

Chief executive Chris Holmes explained that the 27% rise reflected strong sales of animal feed in the US and the positive impact made by the acquisitions of Northumberland-based feed supplier Forsyths, AC Burn and Scotmin Nutrition.

Animal feed supplements business Scotmin, based in Ayr, and agricultural merchant AC Burn which operates in Scotland, were bought for £5.62m.